Faith: How can I see God's goodness when my life feels out of control?
- Dr. Layne McDonald
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
You can see God’s goodness when life feels out of control by shifting your focus from the chaos to His character. By anchoring yourself in Scripture, practicing "intentional noticing" of daily mercies, and trusting that His presence is constant even when your circumstances are shifting, you can experience a peace that transcends your current struggle.
Last Updated: July 08, 2026
Executive Summary: This article explores how to find spiritual grounding when life feels chaotic. We cover the myth of personal control, specific Bible verses that act as anchors, and practical habits to help you "see" God's handiwork in the middle of the storm.
The Myth of Control and the Reality of Grace
We often equate "God's goodness" with "life going according to plan." When the diagnosis comes, the relationship ends, or the career path hits a dead end, our first instinct is to feel that God has moved or, worse, that He has stopped being good. But as a filmmaker and pastor, I’ve learned that the most powerful scenes in a story: and in our lives: often happen in the moments of highest tension.
The feeling that life is "out of control" is actually an invitation to realize that we were never the ones in control to begin with. Control is an illusion; grace is the reality. When we let go of the steering wheel, we don’t fall into an abyss; we fall into the hands of a Father who has never once been surprised by a "plot twist" in your life.
Anchoring Your Soul in Truth
To see God's goodness in the dark, you need a flashlight. That flashlight is the Word of God. When your emotions are screaming that you are alone, you must speak back to them with the truth of Psalm 34:18, which promises that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted.
Here are three specific anchors for your soul:
The Presence Anchor: God is not watching your struggle from a distance; He is in it with you. Even when life feels like a storm, He is the peace within the boat.
The Mercy Anchor: According to Lamentations 3:22-23, His mercies are new every morning. Even on your worst day, there is a fresh supply of grace waiting for you at sunrise.
The Purpose Anchor:Romans 8:28 doesn't say all things are good, but that God works all things together for good. He is the Master Editor, weaving your pain into a masterpiece of redemption.
The "Intentional Noticing" Habit
Seeing is a skill. Just as a photographer trains their eye to see light in a dark room, you can train your spirit to see God’s goodness in a hard season. If you are struggling with overthinking and finding peace before sleep, the best medicine is a "Gratitude Audit."
Every evening, write down three "micro-mercies." These aren't big miracles: they are small evidences that God is still looking out for you.
A text from a friend at just the right time.
A moment of strength when you thought you’d collapse.
The beauty of a sunset that reminded you of the Creator's creativity.
When you integrate deep prayer with emotional healing, you begin to realize that God’s goodness is often found in the "still small voice" rather than the earthquake.
Finding Cinematic Beauty in the Storm
In my work as a filmmaker, I know that the best lighting often comes during the "Golden Hour": that transition between day and night. Life’s transitions can feel scary, but they are also where the most beautiful growth happens. If you feel like your life is a movie that has gone off-script, remember who the Director is.
He isn't just trying to get you to the "end" of the trouble; He is shaping your character through the trouble. Your story is not over. Whether you are a leader under pressure or a parent just trying to make it through the week, your true north is not a set of circumstances: it is a Person.
If you're looking for more practical wisdom on navigating these seasons, I encourage you to explore my books and resources. They are designed to help you find your footing when the ground feels shaky.
FAQ: Seeing God in the Chaos
Why does God allow things to feel out of control?
God often allows us to reach the end of our own strength so that we can discover the limitlessness of His. Feeling "out of control" forces us to depend on His grace rather than our own effort, which is where true spiritual maturity begins.
Is it wrong to feel angry or confused during hard times?
Not at all. The Psalms are full of "Laments": honest, raw prayers where people ask God "Why?" and "How long?" God is big enough to handle your questions. The key is to bring those questions to Him rather than using them as a reason to run from Him.
How can I feel God's presence when He seems silent?
Silence is not absence. Just as a coach might be quiet while an athlete is performing, or a teacher is quiet during a test, God’s silence is often a sign that He is deeply at work in the background. Rely on what you know about His character in the Word until your feelings catch up to the truth.
What is the first step to finding peace in a crisis?
The first step is surrender. Acknowledge to God that you cannot fix the situation on your own. This "white flag" moment isn't a sign of defeat; it's the moment you invite the King of Peace to take over the battle.
One Clear Next Step: If you’re feeling overwhelmed today, take five minutes to sit in silence and ask God: "Father, show me one way You are being good to me right now." Then, check out our resource on overcoming overthinking to help guard your heart.
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